The former frontman of The Smiths has axed concerts in Denver, Salt Lake City and San Francisco as he continues to receive treatment for the ulcer and throat condition Barrett's oesophagus. Morrissey is hoping to return to the stage in time for a Feb. 27 show in San Diego.

The singer has thanked fans for their "liberal tolerance" as he bounces back. His message, posted on fan site True To You, reads, "I apologize to an almost annoying degree for any trouble I've caused to anyone by way of travel plans and dog-sitters and ticket-outlay and re-molded hairstyles.

"My ulcer is now under reins, even if neither asleep nor dead, but the continued cause for concern is a slightly embarrassing absence of blood - most of which the bleeding ulcer relieved me of. Anemia sets its own terms with quite obvious biological conclusions, and I have spent these last weeks under expert medical care in Los Angeles with an almost erotic dependency on various IV drips."

Morrissey added, "I gorge myself on thanks for the many and varied messages of support that I've received over these recent four weeks. They have yanked me out of prolonged mood dips and cured a crisis of spirits."